Gloucester Rugby vs Munster - 1873 Man of the Match

Gloucester put in a heroic effort against Munster in the fifth round of the Heineken Cup on Saturday evening, but simply couldn't break down the Irish side, going down by 7 points to 20. Charlie Sharples was named Man of the Match by the 1873 Club members.

Gloucester dominated both possession and territory and pinned Munster back for long periods. However, apart from Sharples' try just before half time, they couldn't breach the visitors' defence.

Charlie was involved in some of Gloucester's brightest moments, including launching a scintillating counter attack from deep and, of course, scoring the Gloucester try.

Charlie came into the Abbey Business Lounge after the game to receive his award from John Search of JS Security, sponsor of the East Stand at Kingsholm.

He then took part in an informal Q&A, facilitated by former Gloucester back row forward Simon Devereux alongside team mates Matt Cox and Jonny May.

Simon provided the following summary:

"All associated with Gloucester Rugby were in need of a reaction after the Saracens defeat and it came with a much improved performance against a clinical and streetwise Munster side. It was a memorable night of Heineken Cup rugby with an electric atmosphere under lights at Kingsholm.

"Gloucester started with an intensity and fury which the Kingsholm crowd have historically been accustomed to, attacking Munster at the breakdown and through multiple phases.

"Unfortunately two penalty misses meant their opening dominance went unrewarded and credit to Munster for striking against the run of play with a well worked penalty and converted try.

"Charlie Sharples' converted try on half time couldn't have been better timed and Gloucester started the 2nd half well, repeatedly attacking the Munster defence but without registering.

"A knock on from a Gloucester lineout on halfway led to a period of Munster pressure eventually resulting in a crucial try from a scrum. Gloucester were rightly frustrated by some of the officials' interpretations during this period when they appeared to have turned possession over on several occasions.

"Statistically, Gloucester dominated the game in nearly all areas. Munster's tackle count was at least treble that of Gloucester and they deserve credit for doggedly defending wave after wave of Gloucester attack.

"Ultimately, Gloucester's inability to turn pressure into points at key moments was the difference. Munster showed their top level experience displaying a clinical edge from limited possession.

The 1873 members gave the players a good reception after the match in recognition for the effort shown. If Gloucester can repeat this intensity and improve their strike rate from key positions in the process, a positive 2nd half of the season awaits!"

Argentine international Mariano Galarza made his Gloucester Rugby debut on Sunday afternoon, and despite a disappointing reverse to Sale Sharks, the giant Puma was just glad to be making his long-awaited bow in Cherry and White.

Having skippered Scotland to a hard fought 25-13 defeat against England at Twickenham on Saturday, Greig Laidlaw spoke of the frustrations of his side doing so many good things and making real progress as a team but still finishing on the wrong end of the scoreline.

GRTV caught up with Neil McCarthy as he was unveiled as the new Head of Academy. The ex-Gloucester front rower is looking forward to getting to work with the vast arrays of talent in the Academy and across Gloucestershire.

Although understandably disappointed to see Northampton snatch a 33-33 draw with a last gasp try on Saturday, Gareth Evans told GRTV after the game that the result shows how far Gloucester have come as a team this season.

Gloucester scrum half Greig Laidlaw spoke to GRTV after the 33-33 draw with Northampton Saints on Saturday, and the Scotsman described how the hosts played some great rugby, but will rue not holding the lead which keeps them in touch with the top seven.

Although Gloucester could take many positives from the 33-33 draw with Northampton Saints on Saturday, centre Bill Meakes admitted it was a strange feeling at the final whistle with Gloucester having probably done enough to win the game.

Speaking after the 33-33 draw with Northampton Saints on Saturday, David Humphreys admitted that he was happy with many aspects of the team's performance but regretted a missed opportunity to defeat the Premiership champions.

Hartpury U18s won the AASE league for the sixth year in a row last week beating Filton College in the Final at Allianz Park by 50 points to nil, while Bromsgrove School won their first NatWest U18 Schools Cup.

Gloucester Rugby would like to inform supporters about an exciting opportunity for you to raise money for your chosen charity or chosen cause. 2015 is an exciting year for Gloucester, with Kingsholm Stadium hosting four fixtures for Rugby World Cup 2015.